Tuesday, 1 July 2025
28.5 C
Singapore
28 C
Thailand
20 C
Indonesia
28.3 C
Philippines

Windows tests the wireless File Explorer connection for Android phones

Microsoft is testing a new feature that allows Android phones to be wirelessly connected to Windows PCs via File Explorer, simplifying file transfers.

Moving photos, videos, and other files from your Android phone to your Windows PC traditionally requires a USB cable. But that might change soon, thanks to a new update from Microsoft.

A new feature in testing

Microsoft has announced on its Windows Insider blog that it is testing a new connectivity feature. This feature lets your Android smartphone wirelessly connect to your Windows PC or laptop and appear inside File Explorer, which is where you typically find your desktop, PC, documents, downloads, and other folders.

With this update, you can wirelessly browse a connected Android smartphone, access files, folders, and media, and even open and copy them to your PC or laptop. This process works similarly to using a USB cable.

How to enable the feature

According to the blog post, Windows uses Bluetooth for this connection. You must go into Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Mobile Devices on your Windows Insider copy of Windows 11 to enable it. Here are the steps to try out the feature:

  1. Have a PC or laptop running Windows 11.
  2. Ensure your device has a Bluetooth hardware module (most laptops should have this).
  3. Register for the Windows Insider Programme.
  4. Enrol in one of Microsoft’s four Windows Insider Channels.
  5. Use an Android 11 phone (or newer).
  6. Install the beta version of the Link to Windows app on your Android phone (version 1.24071 and higher).

Future availability

It needs to be determined when Microsoft will make this functionality available to regular Windows and Android users. However, the testing phase is a positive step towards making wireless file transfers between Android devices and Windows PCs a seamless experience.

Hot this week

Hundreds of Brother printers have a serious flaw you can’t entirely fix

Hundreds of Brother printers have a flaw that lets hackers guess your admin password and one critical issue can't be fixed with updates.

Diablo IV’s ninth season brings new depth to your endgame grind

Season 9 of Diablo IV adds console mouse support, stronger endgame dungeons, and new challenges to keep hardcore players on their toes.

UiPath and Deloitte drive ERP modernisation with agentic automation

UiPath partners with Deloitte to modernise its ERP using agentic automation, achieving a 93% clean core and faster, more scalable operations.

Apple updates EU App Store rules to avoid further penalties

Apple introduces new App Store fees and tiers in the EU to comply with DMA rules and avoid more penalties following a €500M fine.

AI reaches tipping point as consumers embrace its use in healthcare and finance

Half of Singaporeans trust AI for critical advice, but poor omnichannel and data experiences still undermine customer trust.

Spotify lets you personalise your Discover Weekly playlist like never before

Spotify now lets you personalise Discover Weekly with genre filters, such as pop and R&B, helping you better shape your weekly playlist.

Hundreds of Brother printers have a serious flaw you can’t entirely fix

Hundreds of Brother printers have a flaw that lets hackers guess your admin password and one critical issue can't be fixed with updates.

Dubai gears up for air taxi revolution

Joby delivers its first air taxi to Dubai, moving closer to a 2026 launch and signalling real progress in the future of flying taxis.

Anker recalls five more power banks over fire risk concerns

Anker is recalling five more power banks due to fire risks and urges users to stop using them immediately and seek a free replacement or gift card.

Related Articles

Popular Categories